There are many foods that your cat can eat or cannot eat. Today let’s see together if the cat can eat the potato.
It is well known that animals in general cannot feed on all the foods that humans eat. For this reason, very often those who have a cat wonder what human foods can be offered to their pet without causing any harm. Have you ever wondered if it is possible to add potatoes to your feline‘s diet? Let’s see if the cat can eat potatoes.
Can cats eat potatoes?
Cats can eat potatoes as long as they are given as a treat or mixed into the cat’s regular food. As this can provide an extra boost of fiber and other nutrients.
If you are offering your cat potato for the first time, it is important to give him just a little, then wait and see how he responds. If your four-legged friend develops vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms, it is necessary not to offer him more potatoes.
Are sweet potatoes bad for your kitty?
While sweet potatoes are nutritious enough for humans, they are difficult for cats to digest. But then will giving a small portion of sweet potato puree to the kitten hurt him? Not necessarily. But if you decide to give it, make sure you start with a small portion and observe how the feline‘s organism reacts to the sweet potato. Again, look for symptoms of a digestive disorder such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Raw potatoes
There are some conditions in which you should definitely keep potatoes out of the reach of the cat. For example when the potato is raw. As the latter contains some elements, including the glycoalkaloid solanine, which is poisonous for the feline. If your cat eats raw potatoes, he may get sick. With the cooking process (baking or boiling) however, these compounds are destroyed.
Potato peels?
Potato peels, just like raw potatoes, are full of glycoalkaloid solanine which is toxic to cats. In addition, the skins are covered with dirt, bacteria and pesticides so it is very important that the cat does not eat them for their health.
Amount of potatoes and additional ingredients
The high carbohydrate content can easily promote weight gain. This is because a human body or cat uses carbohydrates for energy instead of using stored body fat.
So it is important to give the potato to the cat occasionally. If you feed him potatoes too often, he could gain weight and develop weight-related health problems, such as joint problems and even feline diabetes.
Many of the ingredients that mix with potatoes are potentially lethal for your cat. This means that you should never give your furry friend a portion of your potatoes if they have been prepared with chives, onions or garlic. And even if the potatoes are full of cheese, gravy, butter or oil, it is important not to offer them to the cat as the high amount of fat could cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Products made with potatoes, such as frozen potato croquettes, fried potatoes or even fast food fries, should also be considered a thing not to give to your cat for the sake of his health.
